Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani met with Jan Kubis, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for Iraq, and his accompanying delegation.

In the meeting, Mr. Kubis commended the cooperation between the Peshmarga and Iraqi forces in the fight against ISIS terror, especially the liberation of Mosul. He also stated that a political process is necessary for rebuilding trust among different components of the city.

Mr. Kubis highlighted also the need for serious dialogue between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region as there are good relations between the militaries of both sides.  On the schdeduled independence referendum, the U.N. official said that there should be more dialogue and consultation between all the parties.

Prime Minister Barzani said, the people of the Kurdistan Region have the right to   determine their future through holding a referendum. The Kurdistan Region is ready to have dialogue with Baghdad and other parties on this regard, he added.

Commending the liberation of Mosul, Mr. Barzani added that Baghdad should start a serious political process to address reasons behind the emergence of extremist and terrorist groups like ISIS.